Dr. Larry L. Macon, Sr. is the anointed Senior Pastor of the Mt. Zion Church of Oakwood Village, a suburb of Cleveland, where he has served since 1980. Dr. Macon is an accomplished author, educator, teacher, and preacher. He has published seven major and important writings. Dr. Macon distinguished himself by building a New Worship Center and Fine Arts Center complex on 16 acres in Oakwood Village. He is a graduate from Ashland Theological Seminary with a Doctorate specializing in African American Religious Studies.

One of his recent accomplishments includes hosting the Fugitive Safe Surrender Program held at the church with over 7,431 felons turning themselves in and 1,200 warrants being lifted in 4 days (2010). He was then consecrated as the Presiding Bishop of the Ecumenical Alliance of Ohio (2010). For the past five years he has held the largest faith-based gathering in the region, known as Praisefest.

“Rev. Dr. Larry Macon, Sr. has blessed not only the Mt. Zion community with his words of wisdom, but through his continuous leadership, he has influenced many other people and organizations throughout the entire region,” Rep. Anielski said. “Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Larry Macon, Sr. and the entire Mt. Zion community.”

One of the most complex yet important matters we cover at the state and federal levels of government is health care. The health and wellness of all Ohioans is crucial, but the topic encompasses a wide array of stakeholders—the patients themselves, doctors, hospital administrators, pharmacists, drug and medical equipment manufacturers, and more. We must take into consideration the perspectives of all interested parties to ensure health care remains affordable and accessible for everyone.

During this winter season, several specialized committees—task forces created by the Speaker of the House—have been meeting across Ohio to address specific policy areas. These task forces focus on Ohio’s most pressing issues, including the heroin and opioid crisis, energy policy, Alzheimer’s and dementia, education and poverty, and BRAC and military affairs. As the committees wrap up their research, I wanted to give you an update on the work they’ve been doing.

State Representative Marlene Anielski (R-Walton Hills) was sworn in yesterday as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives for the 132nd General Assembly. She represents the 6th Ohio House District, which includes the south-east portion of Cuyahoga County, for a fourth term.